Typhoid fever is an acute, life-threatening febrile illness caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi, which lives only in humans. It is transmitted through the ingestion of water or food contaminated with infected feces. It is uncommon in the United States, and about 75 percent of the 5,700 annual cases are acquired through international travel. About 21 million cases of typhoid fever occur globally each year, with more than 200,000 related deaths.
Symptoms of typhoid fever begin about 1 to 3 weeks after exposure. Common symptoms include sudden onset of a sustained fever as high as 104°F, myalgia (muscle pain), severe headache, fatigue, weakness, nausea, abdominal pain, severe anorexia, and constipation. Without treatment, people may continue to have fever for weeks or months. The death rate from complications can be as high as 30 percent.
There are two typhoid vaccines available in the United States. An injectable vaccine is given in one dose with boosters every two years. An oral vaccine is given in four doses, one taken every other day over 7 days, with boosters indicated every five years. Depending on vaccine type, the full immunization series should be completed 1 to 2 weeks in advance of travel. The vaccine is less than 80 percent effective, therefore food and water precautions must be reinforced when traveling.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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